Fireworks are low-explosive pyrotechnic devices that pose an immediate danger when mishandled or malfunctioning. They contain chemical compositions, such as black powder, which release intense heat and energy upon ignition. The resulting danger combines high heat, explosive force, and projectiles. This article details the physical effects of being struck by a firework and provides guidance on the immediate actions necessary to mitigate harm.
The Immediate Physical Impact
A firework striking a person causes a complex injury profile involving three distinct types of trauma. The high-energy chemical reaction within the firework generates extreme temperatures, often exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, resulting in severe thermal and chemical burns. Sparklers, which many consider relatively safe, can burn at temperatures above 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, causing deep second- or third-degree injuries instantaneously. Burns account for a significant portion of all firework-related emergency room visits.
The explosive force of a firework results in blunt force trauma from the blast wave itself. This overpressure wave can damage air-filled organs, such as the lungs (blast lung) and the eardrums, potentially causing a ruptured eardrum or internal bleeding without any external sign of injury. The blast can also propel the rigid casing of the firework, striking a person at high velocity, leading to contusions, deep bruising, and fractures, particularly to the hands, face, and extremities.
Secondary injuries occur when debris, or shrapnel, from the exploding firework casing and its internal components is scattered. These projectiles can include pieces of cardboard, plastic, or chemical pellets (“stars”). These fragments cause penetrating injuries, deep lacerations, and foreign body retention in the skin or soft tissue. This is particularly hazardous for delicate areas like the eyes, where even a small piece of debris can cause a corneal abrasion, chemical burn, or globe rupture, leading to permanent vision loss.
Essential First Aid Steps After Being Hit
The first action after a firework injury is to move the injured person away from the source of danger and call for emergency services if the injury is severe. For burns, the immediate priority is to cool the affected area. Run the burn under cool, running water for a minimum of 10 to 20 minutes to reduce pain, swelling, and scarring.
After cooling, cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-fluffy dressing, sterile gauze, or plastic wrap to prevent infection and minimize pain by keeping air off the wound. Never apply home remedies like butter, oils, toothpaste, or creams to a burn, as these can trap heat and increase the risk of infection. Do not break any blisters that form, as the skin beneath is a sterile environment.
For any wounds that are bleeding, apply firm, direct pressure using a clean cloth or sterile bandage to control the blood loss. If a firework fragment or debris is embedded in the wound, do not attempt to remove it, as this can cause further damage or trigger severe bleeding. Instead, focus on immobilizing the area and maintaining pressure around the foreign object until medical help arrives.
If the eyes are involved, do not rub or rinse the eye, which can worsen the damage, particularly if a foreign object is embedded. Gently shield the injured eye with a clean cloth or a rigid cover, such as a plastic cup, without applying any pressure. Avoid taking blood-thinning pain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can complicate internal bleeding.
Recognizing When Emergency Medical Care Is Needed
Certain signs indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate transport or a call to emergency services. Any full-thickness burn, often appearing white, leathery, or charred, necessitates professional medical care. Burns that involve the face, hands, feet, eyes, ears, or genitals also require immediate medical attention, regardless of size, due to the high risk of functional impairment.
Severe injuries resulting from a blast demand immediate evaluation, even if external signs are minimal. Signs of internal blast trauma include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or severe abdominal pain, which may suggest a pulmonary contusion or injury to hollow organs. Any loss of consciousness, severe confusion, or bleeding from the ear after a blast must also be treated as a medical emergency, as these may indicate serious head or internal injuries.
Seek emergency care if bleeding from any wound does not stop after 10 minutes of continuous, direct pressure. Any traumatic amputation, such as a partial or complete loss of a finger, requires immediate emergency services to maximize limb salvage. If the injured person exhibits signs of shock, such as weakness, dizziness, or rapid heart rate, medical assistance is needed.